Day 56

Woke up this morning and found the weather conditions to be as predicted, if not a little worse.  We headed out into what turned into almost blizzard conditions – windy, cold and lots of snow falling.  Visibility was pretty crap and at the end of each run we looked like snowmen from all the snow that had fallen on us on the way down.

By the time we got to the UCPA at Val d’Isere for lunch Matt, Lise and me had already made up our minds that we’d be leaving the group and catching the shuttle bus back to Tignes where we were going to have a nice relaxing spa.  Unfortunately the roads were closed due to all the snow, meaning we had to no choice but to head out into the snow and make our way back (with the group) the old fashioned way – riding and lifts.

It took about 10 minutes to walk to the start of our first run.  What we saw when we got there was the stuff of dreams…

…the snow stopped, the skies cleared and we were looking out at a whole mountain of unmarked white.  At least 30 – 50cms of fresh powder and practically no one around to share it with.  The next few hours were the best I’ve had at the snow.  Ever.

It was like the whole mood of the mountain lifted.  We heard music playing at every lift and restaurant, people laughing and squealing with pleasure, and every person you passed had a huge smile on their face. 

All the aches and pains accumulated throughout the week miraculously disappeared and we rode run after run of beautiful fresh powder.  On piste, off piste, wherever we could.  I can’t think of a better way to have finished the week. 

Unfortunately, after we stopped riding my body pretty much gave in.  My left ankle hurts, my right arm is sore, I still have some pain in my wrist and my legs and back are worn out completely.  After dinner we stayed at the UCPA bar for an hour or two but I decided to call it a night around 10.30pm. 

It’s snowing right now and if the weather’s any good tomorrow morning I fully intend on getting in a few more runs before we have to leave at 2pm.